Rob on Holiday

Geneva might not be the first destination that comes to mind for a city break, but it should be! We booked our trip to Geneva in October, mainly because the flights worked out perfectly for a quick getaway, but we ended up having an absolutely brilliant time.

With its stunning lakeside setting, historic old town, and the presence of the United Nations headquarters, Geneva has so much to offer, making it an ideal destination for a weekend break. In this post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to make the most of your trip to Geneva Switzerland.

Before we dive in, don’t forget to check out our Full Geneva Travel Guide video on the Rob on Holiday YouTube channel. It’s packed with tips, tricks, and insights from our family’s trip, showing you all the best spots to visit in Geneva. Watch it below:

How to Travel to Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva is located in the southwestern corner of Switzerland, right on the border with France. The city is a well-connected transport hub, making it easy to arrive by either air or rail.

First, let’s talk about flying. There are regular flights to Geneva from several UK airports, including our local one, Manchester Airport. And the best thing is that the flight only takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. Once you land, you’re only a 15-minute train ride away from the city centre, making flying to Geneva incredibly convenient.

If you’re not keen on flying, the train is a longer but scenic alternative. You can get all the way from London to Geneva on just two trains. The first leg is from London to Paris, which takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. Then, after changing stations in Paris (From Paris Gare du Nord to Paris Gare du Lyon), it’s a 3-hour journey from Paris to Geneva. The total travel time is around 7 to 8 hours, depending on your transfer time between trains.

The Best Things to Do in Geneva

Lake Geneva and the Jet d’Eau

No trip to Geneva is complete without a stroll along the shores of Lake Geneva. Officially called Lac Leman, the beautiful clear waters of this 583 sq km lake are the centre of life in the city, and a relaxing place to spend time on your trip. 

Lake Geneva is home to the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain, which towers a whopping 140 metres into the air. It’s a fantastic spot for photos.

And, if you’re up for a bit of relaxation, head to the Bains des Pâquis, a popular public bathhouse where you can take a dip in the lake or simply enjoy the view.

Reformation Wall

Located in the Parc des Bastions, the Reformation Wall is a powerful monument commemorating the leaders of the Protestant Reformation. The wall features larger-than-life statues of reformers like John Calvin and is a great place to learn about Geneva’s significant role in religious history while enjoying a peaceful park setting. The Reformation Wall was the highlight of my trip to Geneva.

Geneva Cathedral

Located in Geneva’s Old Town, St. Pierre Cathedral is a 12th-century Gothic Cathedral. The building exterior has a number of interesting façades, including the Greek-looking main entrance and the central turquoise spire. While it’s not the most impressive cathedral on the inside, it is free to enter so it is worth a quick look.

And, for those who don’t mind a bit of exercise, the climb up the tower is well worth it. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the city and Lake Geneva.

Tickets for Cathedral Tower: CHF 7 (or £6.30)

Geneva Old Town

Wandering through the cobblestone streets of Geneva’s Old Town is like stepping back in time. Besides the cathedral, don’t miss the Old Arsenal with its historic cannons, the lively Place Bourg-de-Four, and the Maison Tavel, which is the oldest house in Geneva, now a museum that offers insights into the city’s history.

UN Headquarters

A visit to the United Nations Office at Geneva gives you a glimpse into the world of international diplomacy. You can take a guided tour of the Palais des Nations to learn about the work of the UN and see some impressive rooms like the Assembly Hall and the Council Chamber.

Even if you don’t plan on taking a tour inside, it is worth the quick tram ride up to the Palais des Nations to see the iconic promenade of flags outside.

Tickets:

• Adults: CHF23.32 (or £20.85)
• Children 14 and over: CHF12.72 (or £11.37)
• Children 6-13: CHF11.66 (or £10.43)
• NOTE: Tours are usually only available on weekdays.

Other Things to See in Geneva

• Jardins Anglais: a small public park on the shores of Lake Geneva, famous for its flower clock.
• Promenade de la Treille: the world’s longest bench, located on the outskirts of Geneva’s old town
• Statue of Frankenstein’s Monster: a tribute to the Mary Shelley novel in the city where the story was set.

Transport in Geneva

One of the incredible perks of visiting Geneva is that all public transport is FREE if you’re staying at least one night in the city.

A few days before your trip, you’ll receive an email from your hotel or accommodation provider inviting you to sign up for your free transport pass. Once you enter your details, you’ll be emailed a pass that lasts the entire duration of your stay, including check-in and check-out days.

It’s a trust-based system, so you won’t need to show the pass unless an inspector asks for it (which never happened during our two-day stay). Make sure to have it printed out or saved on your phone just in case.

The pass gives you free access to all trains, trams, buses, and the yellow Mouette boats for your entire trip. This even includes your transport from the airport and any day trips you might take to surrounding areas, such as CERN.

Day Trips from Geneva

CERN

CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is just a short tram or bus ride from Geneva city centre. This is where some of the world’s most advanced scientific research takes place, including work on the Large Hadron Collider. You can take a guided tour to learn about the mind-blowing experiments and discoveries being made here.

Lausanne

Lausanne is a picturesque city on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, just a 40-minute train ride from Geneva. Known for its vibrant cultural scene and as the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee, it’s a great place to explore museums, enjoy lakeside views, and wander through the city’s charming old streets.

Mt. Salève

For those who enjoy a bit of nature, Mt. Salève is a must-do. It’s technically in France but just a short 20-minute bus ride from Geneva. You can hike up the mountain or take a cable car to the top for breathtaking views over Geneva and the surrounding Alps. It’s perfect for a half-day trip if you want to escape the city for a bit.

Château de Chillon

Château de Chillon is a stunning mediaeval castle located on the shores of Lake Geneva near Montreux. You can reach it by train in about an hour from Geneva. The castle is one of Switzerland’s most visited historical sites, with beautifully preserved rooms and incredible views of the lake and mountains.

Annecy

Annecy, often called the “Venice of the Alps,” is a charming French town about an hour’s bus ride from Geneva. Its old town is criss-crossed with canals, and it’s a lovely place to spend a day wandering the streets, taking in the views, and enjoying some French cuisine.

How Long to Stay in Geneva

If you’re just planning to explore Geneva itself, two days is enough to see the main sights and enjoy the city’s atmosphere. However, if you want to take a few day trips and see more of the surrounding areas, you could easily spend four or five days in the region and still have plenty to do.

Our Geneva Review

Geneva was a pleasant surprise for us. Its combination of beautiful natural scenery and historic architecture means this Swiss city has everything we look for in a city break destination. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to get to, and the free public transport is a huge bonus. 

Just one word of warning: while the transport might be free, everything else is very expensive! So, be prepared to spend a fair bit on food and drink.

Thanks for reading our complete Geneva travel guide! If you liked this post, don’t forget to subscribe for regular updates and check out our YouTube channel, Rob on Holiday, for more travel videos and tips. See you next time!